Meghan Markle’s As Ever Relaunch: A Royal Quest for Fame and Fortune?

Meghan Markle is set to relaunch her As Ever lifestyle brand this Friday, restocking sold-out products like raspberry spreads, teas, wildflower honey, and edible flower sprinkles. The move has sparked chatter among royal watchers, who see it as part of her broader ambition to carve out a business empire and cement her status as a royal entrepreneur. But is it all about fame and fortune?

Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have settled in Montecito, California, chasing financial independence. Their exit, dubbed 'Megxit,' was driven by a desire to escape the British press and palace constraints, but experts suggest it was also about unlocking opportunities to earn big. Deals with Netflix, reportedly worth $100 million, and Spotify, valued between $15-18 million, underscore their pivot to a commercial life.

Royal commentator Helena Chard notes that Meghan’s royal title and Sussex name give her brand a unique edge, fueling her drive to keep her name in the spotlight. Yet, Chard doubts the profitability of As Ever’s niche offerings, suggesting they’re more about prestige than mass-market appeal. Can luxury jams and teas really rake in the millions?

Valentine Low’s 2023 book, Courtiers, sheds light on the couple’s motivations, claiming Meghan sought the freedom to make money and even dip into politics. Whispers of political ambitions persist, with some sources hinting she’s eyeing roles that could leverage her global platform. Imagine the headlines: Meghan hosting a state dinner for the royals at the White House? It’s a scenario that would have royal traditionalists clutching their pearls.

But the road to reinvention isn’t smooth. Critics argue Meghan’s products, while charming, feel out of touch in today’s economy, where luxury non-essentials struggle to resonate. The monarchy, built on duty and service, clashed with the Sussexes’ push for financial freedom, a tension that reportedly left Queen Elizabeth II uneasy. Meghan and Harry wanted their cake and to eat it too, but palace rules wouldn’t bend.

As Meghan’s Netflix series With Love, Meghan promotes her lifestyle brand, the scrutiny intensifies. Will As Ever’s relaunch win over skeptics, or is it just another chapter in the Sussexes’ quest for a self-made empire?